What are Anti-transpirants and Why Use Them?
Horticultural anti-transpirants are valuable tools for gardeners and landscapers seeking to minimize water loss from plants. Transpiration, the natural process by which water moves through a plant and evaporates from its leaves, stems, and flowers, can be a significant challenge, especially during periods of environmental stress. Anti-transpirants work by forming a thin, protective layer on the plant's surface, effectively reducing the rate of transpiration without completely hindering essential processes like photosynthesis. This protective barrier helps plants retain moisture and survive challenging conditions.
Why are they beneficial?
Anti-transpirants offer a range of benefits, making them particularly useful in specific situations:
Newly planted trees and shrubs: Transplant shock, the stress experienced by plants when moved, is a major cause of failure. Anti-transpirants can significantly reduce water loss from leaves, giving the plant's roots time to establish and improving survival rates.
Drought conditions: During periods of limited rainfall or extended dry spells, established plants can struggle to obtain enough water. Anti-transpirants help conserve existing moisture within the plant, increasing its drought tolerance and preventing wilting or leaf drop.
High-value landscapes and specimen plants: Protecting prized or sensitive plants from water stress is crucial for maintaining their health and aesthetic appeal. Anti-transpirants can safeguard these valuable plants, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy even under challenging conditions.
Large properties and commercial landscapes: Managing extensive landscapes can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Anti-transpirants can reduce the frequency and volume of watering required, making maintenance more efficient. This is especially helpful when hand-watering large areas is impractical.
Winter desiccation of evergreens: Evergreens continue to lose water through their needles during the winter, even when the ground is frozen and they cannot replenish it. Anti-transpirants help prevent winter burn, the browning and dieback of needles caused by excessive water loss.
How long does the barrier last?
Anti-transpirant protective barriers remain in place until the plant physically outgrowns the thin membrane created by this application. Dormant applications can last for months due to slow or no growth while applications across the growing season may last a few days to weeks, depending on the growth rate of the plant treated.